“I have been in the health Occupations classes for two years now. From my experiences, I have learned that I wanted to become a physical therapist. I have been on a couple of job shadows before but I never really knew what happened in emergency rooms and clinics. When I finally got the chance to go on a job shadow to a local physical therapy clinic, I found that I really enjoyed seeing what a physical therapist does. I used to want to be a surgeon but since I didn’t get to a chance to job shadow a surgeon, I changed my career path. Job shadows have a major impact on me so I know what to expect, and what there is to do.”by Andy C.

Employer Testimonials

“I just finished talking with another job shadow student. Since we are a small start-up company, students spend most of their time with me talking about career options in aviations. During the interviews, I hear concise lucid questions from well-prepared students. Their questions and attitude are clearly goal-oriented. Having students in our place of business offers us the opportunity to introduce young people to aviation and small business, to dispel any misconceptions and to encourage them to pursue their aviation career options.”by Jim Graham, Graham Aviation

WORK EXPERIENCE / INTERNSHIPS involve formal training plans between a school and a business that outline the skills the student is expected to learn and demonstrate at the workplace. These experiences can be paid or unpaid part-time positions for which the student will receive academic credit. The hours to be worked, classroom goals, and worksite goals and objectives are determined by the teacher, worksite supervisor, and student.

DURING THE WORK EXPERIENCE OR INTERNSHIP, the student focuses on a potential career area. These experiences usually consist of 60-180 hours on the worksite for which the student receives academic credit. Learning objectives are established and agreed upon by the student, the business supervisor and the teacher. The work experience is directly related to written objectives and goals. Students may also be enrolled in an internship class or a related technical class.

THE STUDENT WILL…

Meet performance and attendance criteria set by the school.

Complete assignments and participate in career awareness studies.

Contact the employer confirming work experience times, location, etc.

Obtain parental/teacher permission to participate.

Arrange transportation to and from the worksite.

Dress appropriately for the worksite.

Arrive and depart as scheduled.

Notify the employer of absences in advance.

THE EMPLOYER WILL…

Serve as host and identify appropriate participants.

Receive confirmation at least one week prior to the visit date.

Give an orientation about the company with general information about its operation.

Explain the departments and how they relate to the organization.

Discuss education and training needed to perform the jobs within the organization and the possible career paths available.

Provide a tour of the firm.

Answer student questions.

HELPFUL HINTS

Be very detailed when developing the training plan and review this plan regularly throughout the internship to verify that all parties are meeting expectations.

Arrange for student work space, if appropriate.

Gather company brochures, policy and safety manuals and review them with the student.

Arrange for student parking, if applicable.

Notify appropriate co-workers and departments, so they are aware of the student and their assigned responsibilities.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

The following are some sample questions you may wish to ask the student when determining whether to accept them for a Work Experience or Internship assignment.

What school activities do you participate in? Why?

Which do you enjoy the most?

Tell me about some accomplishments you feel good about.

How would you describe your personality?

Tell me something unique about yourself.

What are your favorite / least favorite classes?

What jobs have you held?

How were they obtained?

Why did you leave?

What are your post high school plans?

How do you think this experience might help you with those plans?

Do you expect to be doing this kind of work in five years?

Liability Exposure: For the unpaid student, exposure to liability at the work site should be viewed in the same way you would for visitors who spend time in your facility. If the student is involved in a paid work experience, the business is responsible for insurance liability, including worker’s compensation.